Just back from riding the 2018 edition of the Paris Roubaix Cyclotourisme. Ride was 200k, including all the cobble sections from the pro race.
I’ve gotta day this was one of the most fun days I’ve had in a while. The cobbles are so much rougher than they look on tv, some downright violent! I was a little timid at the outset, but found my rhythm after maybe 10 sectors and enjoyed hammering the rest.
Well organized, low key event held every 2 years. Bike geek factor was pretty high, so it was a fun few days. A different organization runs a more popular (and crowded) sportive the day before the pro race each April.
Best sighting was a team of older guys from Italy (maybe in their 60s and 70s), riding old school with speed and style. Wooden rims, single speed, pre WWI frames, wool jerseys, goggles.
If you have a chance, it’s worth getting out there. I can’t wait to do it again.
Cheers
I’ve gotta day this was one of the most fun days I’ve had in a while. The cobbles are so much rougher than they look on tv, some downright violent! I was a little timid at the outset, but found my rhythm after maybe 10 sectors and enjoyed hammering the rest.
Well organized, low key event held every 2 years. Bike geek factor was pretty high, so it was a fun few days. A different organization runs a more popular (and crowded) sportive the day before the pro race each April.
Best sighting was a team of older guys from Italy (maybe in their 60s and 70s), riding old school with speed and style. Wooden rims, single speed, pre WWI frames, wool jerseys, goggles.
If you have a chance, it’s worth getting out there. I can’t wait to do it again.
Cheers